Pat Metheny, renowned jazz guitarist and leader of the Pat Metheny Group, is known for his unique approach to music and for working with iconic figures like David Bowie and Joni Mitchell. Despite his impressive career, which includes 20 Grammy awards, Metheny has always maintained a distinct, independent path in the music industry, leading him to feel he has âzero relationshipâ with mainstream music culture.
In a candid interview, Metheny explained, âI would say my relationship to the culture is zero. I have never thought of doing anything except what Iâm thinking of doing. All Iâve ever done is piss people off [in the music business] because Iâm only going to do what Iâm going to do. I donât know what the word âcommercialâ means. I guess Iâm commercial because Iâve sold a lot of records â but, I mean, the tracks are 20 minutes long.â
Methenyâs unique musical style often diverges from conventional trends, and he reveals that his creative process has never been about appealing to the masses. His latest solo album, MoonDial, released in July, is just one example of his ongoing commitment to his own artistic vision.
When it comes to live performances, Metheny is equally nonchalant about audience reactions. He likens performing to âresearch,â indicating that he doesnât concern himself with whether the audience approves of his work. âThe audience I have almost nothing to do with â I donât mean that in a snotty way. Thatâs something I have no control over. Maybe theyâre going to like it, I hope they do⊠Iâm grateful that people come because I can continue the research,â he explains.
At 70 years old, Methenyâs career is still going strong, and he reflects on how his approach to performing has evolved. âItâs not that different for me now than at the very beginning. The main difference is that itâs a lot more fun, because I play a lot better and I can really count on getting to the shit. I am 100 percent â no, 1,000 percent â confident. Itâs definitely going to be better some nights than others,â he adds, showing his unyielding confidence in his musical abilities.
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